What is cloud computing?

All you need to know about cloud computing
Cloud computing is much more than just a trend: it's revolutionising the way businesses use, manage and optimise their IT resources.

Back to basics with this first article in a new series. Let’s take a look at how cloud computing works, its different architectures (public, private, hybrid), its many benefits for businesses, and the differences between cloud computing, edge computing and on-premise to help you choose the solution best suited to your needs.

Cloud computing: definition and origins

Cloud computing has profoundly transformed the way businesses and individuals access IT resources. The idea is simple but innovative: rather than owning and managing their own servers and data centres, users can now access IT services on demand, via a network. These services include computing power, data storage and sometimes even database management, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility. It’s not an idea that dates back to yesterday…

How cloud computing has evolved over time

The concept of cloud computing, although widely popularised in the early 2000s, has its roots in the 1960s. At that time, computer pioneers were already considering the idea of making computing power accessible as a public utility. During the 1990s, network diagrams began to use the image of a ‘cloud’ to represent the Internet, symbolising the complexity and interconnectedness of the networks that today enable cloud computing to function as a global and flexible architecture.

The real strength of the cloud lies in its ability to provide remote and scalable computing resources, enabling businesses to simplify the management of their infrastructure, avoid wasting resources, and improve energy efficiency through three pillars:

  • Unified billing: The cloud offers a single billing system that simplifies cost management for businesses. This transparency makes it possible to accurately track expenditure and optimise costs;
  • Centralised, secure access: The cloud offers a single interface that simplifies access to services, while centralising management. IAM (Identity and Access Management) systems provide enhanced security, with auditability tools for improved compliance;
  • A rich and diverse marketplace: The cloud provides a vast marketplace, giving businesses access to a wide range of products and services. This diversity promotes the flexibility and scalability of the solutions deployed.

How do you simply define cloud computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is defined as remote access to shared computing resources, without the complexity of managing the underlying physical infrastructure. This approach enables businesses to make a long-term investment in the long-term management and hosting of their data, while giving them the flexibility to rapidly adjust their capacity as required. Clever Cloud, for example, automates the scalability, optimising resources in real time to meet demand.

How does cloud computing work?

Based on a network-based computing services model, the cloud enables businesses to access resources such as data storage, computing power and access to a catalogue of online applications, without the need to manage the hardware infrastructure directly. This approach offers greater flexibility, cost optimisation and operational efficiency, all of which encourage innovation.

The key elements of cloud operation

There are several fundamental elements that ensure the efficiency and scalability of the cloud. Here’s an overview of the key elements.

The physical infrastructure

At the heart of the cloud is a physical infrastructure made up of servers, storage systems and interconnected networks. These infrastructures are located in data centres around the world, promising very high availability, enhanced security and optimum performance. Cloud providers like Clever Cloud invest heavily to maintain high quality standards, verified through various certifications.

Virtualisation

This fundamental principle enables the creation of virtual versions of physical resources, such as servers or storage systems. Virtualisation improves efficiency by enabling several users or applications to use the same resources in an optimised way: the famous Virtual Machines (VMs). This technology also simplifies management and reduces operating costs by disconnecting the hardware infrastructure from the user experience.

Access interfaces and APIs

Cloud service interfaces are designed to be secure and high-performance, making it easier to manage resources and deploy applications. APIs offer system administrators, DevOps and developers the possibility of automating and integrating cloud services into their own systems, maximising customisation, efficiency and flexibility and extending the range of possible functionalities.

The different cloud architectures: public, private and hybrid

Each cloud architecture has its own advantages and addresses different needs. The key is to choose the one that best aligns with your organisation’s strategic objectives and operational constraints.

Public Cloud: simplified accessibility and scalability for data hosting

The public cloud is the most common architecture. Here, IT resources are hosted on servers belonging to cloud service providers, such as Clever Cloud. These services are accessible via the network, providing a scalable solution that can adapt quickly to changing business needs.

The public cloud offers different levels of service, from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to Platform as a Service (PaaS), via Software as a Service (SaaS). This diversity means that businesses can choose the solution best suited to their needs, while benefiting from the fact that there is no initial investment in infrastructure.

Private cloud: controlled, secure data hosting

By definition, the private cloud is a solution dedicated to a single organisation. Unlike the public cloud, the customer’s servers are dedicated to that organisation. This is often a hosting zone behind the customer’s firewall, made available by a cloud provider. This architecture offers total control over data and enhanced security, which is ideal for sectors subject to strict regulations (financial, health, pharmaceutical, public, defence, legal, industrial, etc.). The private cloud allows greater customisation of the data hosting architecture, tailored to the specific needs of the business.

Hybrid cloud: don’t put all your eggs in one basket

The hybrid cloud offers greater resilience by combining the advantages of the public and private clouds. By diversifying environments, businesses avoid putting all their eggs in one basket. For example, they can store sensitive data in a private cloud while using a public cloud for backups or less critical workloads. This means they can switch from one environment to the other depending on their needs in terms of performance, cost or security. However, with the high egress fees charged by hyperscalers, this approach can become costly.

In reality, the hybrid cloud is already common practice, often without companies being fully aware of it. Since the democratisation of SaaS, the majority of applications are no longer solely on-premises, but are based on a mix of public cloud, private cloud and SaaS services.

What are the different types of cloud computing?

Cloud computing is divided into several main categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Function as a Service (FaaS). Each type offers different levels of control, flexibility and management, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for maximum customisation

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is historically the most widespread model of cloud computing. With IaaS, businesses rent IT resources such as servers, virtual machines, storage and networks directly from a cloud service provider.  Customers take care of maintaining their OS, databases, runtimes, etc. in operational conditions, using system administrators, either in-house or from an outsourcer. This allows companies to have a specific architecture that meets their needs. 

Platform as a Service (PaaS) for rapid deployment and automatic updates

Platform as a Service (PaaS) goes a step further than IaaS by providing an OS, middleware and a console for easy deployment of runtimes and even databases or third-party services, known as add-ons. The customer no longer has to worry about maintaining the system in operational condition (MCO), which is the responsibility of the cloud provider.

PaaS solutions make it easy to deploy applications quickly, while automatically maintaining and updating the infrastructure. With integrated development tools and a modular architecture, Clever Cloud simplifies the work of developers and DevOps teams by offering them a ready-to-use environment to accelerate innovation: deploy code, we’ll take care of the rest! 

Software as a Service (SaaS) for greater simplicity

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the most common cloud computing model. SaaS applications are hosted and managed by service providers, enabling users to access them via the Internet, usually on a subscription basis. This model eliminates the need to install and maintain software locally, reducing costs and technical complexity.

SaaS is particularly useful for businesses looking to standardise their software tools without investing in IT infrastructure. For example, collaboration tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and office suites are often deployed as SaaS services for maximum simplicity.

Functions as a Service (FaaS) for greater agility

Functions as a Service (FaaS) is an evolution of the PaaS model that allows developers to create and deploy individual functions without worrying about server management. The cloud provider takes care of all the infrastructure, scaling and resource management, charging only for the time it takes to run the functions.

The functions are triggered by events defined in advance, enabling the function to launch its action (processing an image, converting a file, etc.) and therefore to switch on, be active for the duration of the action and then switch off. services for economic reasons. FaaS is often complementary to PaaS.

What are the advantages of cloud computing?

Whether in terms of scalability or security, the cloud offers a number of benefits for organisations that decide to adopt it.

Cost optimisation: a strategic approach rather than just savings

Cloud computing can be part of a financial strategy, in particular by transforming capital expenditure (CAPEX) into operational expenditure (OPEX). This budgetary transition enables companies to outsource their initial IT infrastructure costs (purchase of servers, data centre maintenance, fibre management, recruitment of a dedicated team, etc.). Organisations can adopt a pay-as-you-go model, adjusting their spending according to their real needs. Some hyperscalers will still offer to pay for reserved instances, which will have to be paid for even if they are not used, but this is not the majority of usage. 

Scalability: the cloud adapts to your needs

Whether you need to increase processing capacity during peak periods or reduce resources during off-peak periods, the cloud is flexible and scalable on demand, thanks to probes and orchestrators. This responsiveness ensures optimum use of resources and gives businesses greater agility to respond to changes in the market and in demand. At Clever Cloud, scalability is automatic, which means it adapts in real time to your needs, so you only pay for what you actually use.

Security: a key pillar for businesses

Cloud computing greatly improves the security of your data. Cloud providers invest, keep a constant watch and have the role of warning their customers or updating exposed areas. Storage in the cloud and its backups provide great resilience. Backed-up data can easily be accessed or a disaster recovery plan (DRP) or business continuity plan (BCP) can be launched. At Clever Cloud, we go even further: our Materia databases are automatically replicated to our three Paris data centres, giving you peace of mind. Another key point is that many security certifications may be required when hosting critical or personal data. Cloud providers undertake to comply with them. 

Accessibility: instantaneous response to new work trends

Cloud computing makes your data more accessible, enabling your teams to collaborate effectively, regardless of their location. Data and applications hosted in the cloud can be available 24/7. This facilitates teleworking, speeds up decision-making processes and improves team productivity, while guaranteeing real-time synchronisation of information.

Automatic updates and operational maintenance

With cloud computing, software updates and security patches are automatically managed by the supplier, without the intervention of the customer’s IT team. This not only reduces the internal workload, but also ensures that the systems have no security holes.

Who uses cloud computing?

Cloud computing is now an essential component for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. Its massive adoption is driven by the outsourcing of management and MCO, the unification of costs and access to a marketplace.  Whether it’s for data storage and backup, Big Data analysis, mail server hosting or web application development and deployment, the cloud has become essential for meeting the growing demands of the market.

For example, organisations in the financial sector are using cloud computing to detect and prevent fraud in real time, using machine learning algorithms and predictive analysis. Healthcare companies, meanwhile, are exploiting these technologies to offer more personalised treatments, thereby improving the quality of care for their patients. The entertainment sector and video game creators are relying on the cloud to deliver their content to millions of users around the world, guaranteeing a fluid and immersive experience.

But this technology is not just for large companies: SMEs, start-ups, freelancers and private individuals are also adopting the cloud to benefit from a scalable infrastructure without having to bear the high costs associated with physical data centres. By opting for these solutions, they can concentrate on what they need.

What are the uses of cloud computing?

Cloud computing offers a multitude of uses for businesses and individuals, including the following.

Storing and backing up data

The cloud enables businesses to protect their information while benefiting from a large storage capacity, all the while retaining control over billing. Data can be easily accessed from any connected device, making it easier to recover in the event of a technical problem.

Hosting applications and websites

Hosting applications and websites is another key use of cloud computing, enabling applications to be created and deployed with a high degree of scalability. Developers benefit from a reliable solution that delivers a fluid, high-performance user experience.

Distributing software and content as a service

Cloud computing also facilitates the development of software and content as a service (SaaS). This model reduces the need for local installations and enables companies to offer regular updates without service interruption, accessible at any time and on any type of device. They can focus on the continuous improvement of their products while simplifying the management of software versions.

Data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI)

Data analysis and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) are made possible by the capabilities and performance of cloud computing. Companies can centralise their data in cloud systems, such as datalakes or data warehouses, and use and train machine learning services to extract the desired elements. These technologies help to develop predictive models, automate processes, generate text or images, etc.

Application testing and development

The cloud is also a powerful tool for application testing and development. Thanks to the standardisation of test environments, it is now possible to obtain dedicated spaces in just a few clicks, saving time for teams of developers. Cloud infrastructures offer a high degree of flexibility for creating, testing and deploying applications, while facilitating continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). This approach accelerates the development cycle and enables companies to reduce their time to market.

Edge computing and cloud computing: the differences

Cloud computing and edge computing are two distinct architectures that meet different needs. Whereas cloud computing centralises resources and processing in large data centres, edge computing moves these operations closer to the data sources using small-scale infrastructures.

This approach enables edge computing to reduce latency and improve processing speed, which is essential for applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles and augmented reality. The choice between these two technologies often depends on the context and on performance, security and connectivity requirements. Edge computing also makes it possible to offer a hybrid architecture, which can take over in the event of availability problems.

Cloud computing is distinguished by its ability to offer scalable, pooled resources, accessible via the Internet, making it an ideal solution for applications requiring high computing and storage power. By contrast, edge computing favours local processing for real-time responses, reducing dependency on network connectivity.

When should you choose edge computing rather than cloud computing?

Choosing between edge computing and cloud computing depends on several key factors:

  • Reactivity and low latency: Edge computing is the best solution when instant response is crucial. For example, in industrial control systems or autonomous vehicles, every millisecond counts. Local processing of data by edge computing reduces delays and improves the reliability of operations;
  • Volume of data to be processed: When the volume of data generated is too large to be transferred quickly to a central data centre, edge computing becomes essential. It enables data to be filtered and processed at source, minimising network traffic and optimising bandwidth use;
  • Isolated environments or those with limited connectivity: In areas where the Internet connection is unstable or non-existent, edge computing ensures that data is processed without interruption. This makes it an ideal solution for remote sites, such as industrial facilities or critical infrastructures;
  • Data security and confidentiality: Edge computing provides an extra layer of security by processing data locally, limiting its exposure to potential cyber threats. This is particularly important for sensitive sectors such as healthcare or financial services.

So, while cloud computing is suited to tasks requiring vast resources and global accessibility, edge computing is essential in contexts where speed, locality and data security are paramount.

On-premise and cloud computing: the differences

The evolution of IT infrastructures has led to two main approaches: on-premise and cloud computing. These two solutions differ fundamentally in terms of deployment, management, cost and scalability. On-premises involves purchasing, installing and managing hardware and software directly on the company’s servers by a trained team, offering total control over data, network and security. Cloud computing, on the other hand, is based on outsourcing these tasks so that the company can concentrate on its core business.

When should you choose on-premise rather than cloud computing?

Opting for an on-premise infrastructure can be a strategic choice, from a budgetary, technical and HR point of view. If the company wants to pay for and amortise its investments, control the entire value chain and be able to recruit and retain its talent, the on-premise option may be just what it needs. If it wants to concentrate on its core business, it will find it easier to turn to cloud computing to outsource this work to a service provider whose job it is. 

The future of cloud computing

Cloud computing continues to evolve at lightning speed, and its potential continues to grow. We are at the dawn of an era where cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and edge computing will redefine current cloud paradigms. This future promises increased integration of low-code and no-code platforms, as well as massive adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling businesses and developers to design innovative solutions without necessarily benefiting from advanced technical expertise.

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